A Town by the Sea by Amitav Gosh- Essay

A Town by the Sea

Amitav Gosh is an acclaimed Novelist, Journalist, Anthropologist and Professor. He is one of the prominent Indian writers in English. In his essay “The Town by the Sea”, Gosh recalls the tsunami that devastated India in December 26, 2004. By disclosing how one of his friends lost his family during tsunami, the writer talks about the inability of human beings against the power of nature.

Gosh’s friend is a malaria Research Director in Car Nicobar. On the eve of December 25, 2004 the director goes to Andaman for an official visit. In the next day morning, he wakes up from the bed by the earth quake. So he runs out of the house to save his life. At that time his wife calls him over mobile, but he disconnects the call thinking that he can call her later. Suddenly, the sea rises and comes towards him. Hence he runs towards the high land in order to protect his life.

Andaman was affected severely by tsunami. He is anxious about his family members after the incident. Later, he comes to know that his thirteen years old son saves his life by clinging to the rafters of a church. When the director contacts his son over phone, he informs his father that his mother and sister disappeared in tsunami. The director tells the writer that his son is a brave boy.

When the director visits Malacca after a few days, they find only the concrete foundation of his house. There were only five structures standing in Malacca: Skeleton of a church, a white washed building, a Murugan temple, the arch of Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Park and a school. Though the town was affected in the sea shore, the interior of the island was not affected.

The director recalls that his wife was an English teacher in the island and she wanted to leave the island long back. Since he did not get transfer, they had to live in the same place. He feels that as a husband he did not provide a better opportunity to his wife. The director discloses that his daughter was a good painter and got prizes for her works. The director thinks that he is defeated as a husband and father by nature. The nature has stolen his family all of a sudden without giving a chance.

While describing the consequences of tsunami, this essay illustrates the supremacy of nature and the uncertainty of human life. Also, it is proved that man is nothing against God and nature.  Acceptance of truth is more important to lead a peaceful life.

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